Major Barbara: Analysis of Major Characters
"Major Barbara" is a play by George Bernard Shaw that explores the complex relationships among its key characters, particularly in the context of moral and societal values. Central to the narrative is Sir Andrew Undershaft, a wealthy munitions manufacturer who believes that addressing poverty is essential to sustaining capitalism. His perspective clashes with that of his daughter, Barbara, a passionate major in the Salvation Army dedicated to saving souls. The conflict intensifies when Sir Andrew demonstrates that his financial contributions can sway the organization, leading Barbara to reassess her mission in light of his pragmatic approach.
Adolphus Cusins, a professor and Barbara’s suitor, represents a blend of intellect and ambition, completing the dynamic between him, Barbara, and Sir Andrew. Other characters, such as Lady Britomart, Sir Andrew's wife, and Stephen Undershaft, his conventional son, add depth to the family's complex moral landscape. The play also introduces characters from the Salvation Army, reflecting varied responses to societal challenges. Through these interwoven relationships, "Major Barbara" raises critical questions about the intersections of morality, wealth, and social responsibility, inviting audiences to engage with its themes on multiple levels.
Major Barbara: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Bernard Shaw
First published: 1907
Genre: Play
Locale: London and Middlesex
Plot: Play of ideas
Time: Early twentieth century
Sir Andrew Undershaft, a munitions tycoon. Believing that poverty is the root of all discontent and, consequently, a threat to capitalism, he uses his power and wealth in an attempt to eliminate it. In a war of ideas with his daughter Barbara, he proves that a donation from a dealer in death—namely, himself—will buy the good graces of the Salvation Army. He then proceeds to fill the void created by her disillusionment by converting her to his own creed.
Barbara, Sir Andrew's daughter. As a major in the Salvation Army, she exercises her moral fervor in the cause of winning the souls of the poor to the kingdom of God. When her father proves to her that a donation from his deplored and destructive profession can win the favor of the Army, she becomes converted to his creed that it is useless to attempt the salvation of souls until the souls' destroyer, poverty, has been eliminated.
Adolphus Cusins, a professor of Greek, Barbara's suitor. His intellect, added to Sir Andrew's power and Barbara's moral fervor, completes the trinity that Sir Andrew believes will be the salvation of society.
Lady Britomart Undershaft, Sir Andrew's domineering wife, who abhors what she calls her husband's immorality, though she does not hesitate to capitalize on it.
Stephen Undershaft, Sir Andrew's painfully conventional son.
Sarah Undershaft, Sir Andrew's younger daughter.
Charles Lomax, Sarah Undershaft's vacuous suitor.
Snobby Price, Rummy Mitchens, Peter Shirley, and Bill Walker, frequenters of the Salvation Army headquarters.